This year is the bicentennial of the War of 1812. Around the country there are celebrations to mark this historic event that's called the true end of British rule, including Baltimore's upcoming Star-Spangled Sailabration, an international parade of more than 40 tall ships and naval vessels.
The War of 1812 is known for many things, but one of the most memorable is the Star-Spangled Banner, the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key during the Battle of Baltimore in 1814 at Fort McHenry to write the song that would become our national anthem.
Knowing the words to "The Star-Spangled Banner" is one thing, but how much do you know about the song itself? Here are five historical facts about our national anthem that may surprise you